Lamborghini has been doing it for nearly more than 40 years: creating extreme, mid-engine sports cars that populate the automotive dreams of teenagers the world over. First it was the Countach. Then the Diablo. And now, the Murcielago. Though clearly a spiritual descendant of the first two, the Murcielago comes from a new Lamborghini, owned by Volkswagen, overseen by Audi, and intent on building high-quality-yet-outrageous machinery that can, and will, be driven instead of just fawned over.

Most of the body is crafted of carbon fiber, except for the steel roof and those requisite front-hinged scissor doors, and said coachwork surrounds a space-frame chassis.Motive force comes in the form of an all-alloy 6.2-liter DOHC V-12 powerhouse good for 571 horsepower, the highest output rating in this contest. The engine is backed by Lambo's first-ever six-speed manual transmission, and power meets pavement via full-time all-wheel drive that splits torque 70 percent rear, 30 percent front.

Besides full helpings of power and style, the Murcielago boasts several worthy techno touches. Most notable is its Variable Airflow Cooling System: "batwing"-style ducts just aft of the windows raise when maximum cooling air is necessary and lower when it's not, reducing aerodynamic drag. A rear deck-mounted spoiler raises and lowers itself depending upon aero needs. Active damping automatically adjusts to four levels of firmness depending upon road conditions and driving style, or the driver can pre-select one to his own taste. Yes, that front air dam looks dangerously low--but the front end can be raised hydraulically to avoid expensive contact with parking curbs and low driveways.The Murcielago's interior is the first in a Lambo (for some decades, at least) that doesn't look like it came from a homebuilt kit-car. There's adequate room for most drivers, and everything is nicely finished. Fortunately, the cabin isn't overinsulated; it would be a shame to quell all this lionhearted V-12's deep, mechanical rumble. Lamborghini currently builds about 400 Murcielagos a year, with about half of them making their way into the U.S. market. At these numbers, and at this price, a lucky few will know the thrill of owning a Murcielago. But at least it gives teenagers--of all ages--something to dream about.